The effects of outdoor versus indoor exercise on psychological health, physical health, and physical activity behaviour: A systematic review of longitudinal trials
Date
2023
Authors
Noseworthy, Matt
Peddie, Luke
Buckler, E. Jean
Park, Faith
Pham, Margaret
Pratt, Spencer
Singh, Arpreet
Puterman, Eli
Liu-Ambrose, Teresa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Abstract
A growing body of research is exploring the potential added health benefits of exercise
when performed outdoors in nature versus indoors. This systematic review aimed to compare the
effects of exercise in outdoor environments versus indoor environments on psychological health,
physical health, and physical activity behaviour. We searched nine databases from inception to
March 2021 for English language, peer-reviewed articles: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web
of Science, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, GreenFile, and CENTRAL.We included randomized and nonrandomized
trials that compared multiple bouts of exercise in outdoor versus indoor environments,
and that assessed at least one outcome related to physical health, psychological health, or physical
activity behaviour. Due to minimal outcome overlap and a paucity of studies, we performed a
narrative synthesis. We identified 10 eligible trials, including 7 randomized controlled trials, and a
total of 343 participants. Participant demographics, exercise protocols, and outcomes varied widely.
In the 10 eligible studies, a total of 99 comparisons were made between outdoor and indoor exercise;
all 25 statistically significant comparisons favoured outdoor exercise. Interpretation of findings was
hindered by an overall high risk of bias, unclear reporting, and high outcome heterogeneity. There is
limited evidence for added health or behaviour benefits of outdoor exercise versus indoor exercise.
Rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed with larger samples and clear reporting.
Description
Keywords
green exercise, outdoor exercise, nature, physical health, psychological health, physical activity behaviour
Citation
Noseworthy, M., Peddie, L., Buckler, E. J., Park, F., Pham, M., Pratt, S., . . . Liu- Ambrose, T. (2023). “The effects of outdoor versus indoor exercise on psychological health, physical health, and physical activity behaviour: A systematic review of longitudinal trials.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1669. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031669